Catering Manager

Grow your career at one of the most unique sites in Calgary The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s catering department is looking for a full-time, permanent **Catering Manager** to lead our front of house team. Our catering team operates 3 kitchens, 3 banquet facilities, a BBQ tent, and a seasonal restaurant, Grazers, featuring local and sustainable products over the summer months.
- The **Catering Manager** leads, coaches, motivates, develops and supervises the front of house employees and ensures that the efficiency in the front of house catering. They set strategic goals and development plans for her/his team to ensure revenue, quality, high customer service standards and compliance with all the health and safety regulations.

**Our Mission | **Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places

**Our Values |** Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation

**What you will do**:

- Develop and implement an annual and long term business plan (goals, objectives, strategies and action plans
- Develop and implement operational procedures to ensure efficiency in our front of house operations
- Manage budgets and expenses such as: staffing, supplies, equipment
- Recruit, hire, train and manage employees
- Implement processes, operational policies and control procedures for purchasing and receiving
- Communicate and ensure adherence to all safety codes, procedures and standards
- Oversee equipment purchases and repairs
- Liaise with the sales department and other stakeholders regarding promotions, events, new revenue opportunities, including the negotiation of contracts with vendors and suppliers
- Create and communicate employees’ schedules to meet the business needs
- Ensure all catering locations are well stocked and maintained in a timely fashion at all times with product & equipment
- Ensure staff provide a consistent and high standard of event delivery
- Create and maintain operational reports for the efficient operation of the front of house
- Ensure that staff receive the proper training and handling of all food.

**What you will bring**:

- Diploma in a recognized hospitality or culinary management program is or a combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 10 years’ related experience in the Food Industry
- Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring and scheduling a team of 50+ employees
- Proven culinary expertise and knowledge
- Operational experience in budgets, inventory control, food cost procedures and purchasing
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to adapt to change and work in a fast paced environment
- Exceptional problem solving, time management and attention to detail are required
- Ability to interact and build effective relationships with employees at all levels of the organization
- Proficient in Excel and knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint and Caterease

**Working Conditions**:

- Able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Frequent standing and walking
- Some minor lifting Heavy
- Availability to work on weekends, statutory holidays and evenings when required
- May be exposed to environmental/workplace conditions such as heat, cold, and smoky conditions.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

**What We Offer**:

- Competitive compensation, vacation, and flex day entitlement
- Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
- Employer matching RRSP program
- Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
- Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit Program
- A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation?

If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone **feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves** to work. As a conservation organization, **we respect and value the diversity of all life** and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the Zoo’s mission and vision. We recognize the **value of diversity, equity, and inclusion**, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.